Molecular, biochemical, and histopathological effects of long-term low and high-percentage fructose consumption on the liver in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the lipogenic and inflammatory effects of low and high percentage fructose solutions in rats. Wistar albino rats were fed with fructose solutions for 10 weeks. The groups were as follows: Cont (Control), F15 (Fructose 15%), F30 (Fructose 30%), and F60 (Fructose 60%). Rats' body weights were measured weekly. Also, lipogenic and inflammatory gene expression levels, biochemical parameters, and histopathological changes in the liver were investigated. After 10 weeks, it was observed that the animals in the F60 were the heaviest, while the animals in the F30 were the lightest. In all experimental groups, triglycerides were significantly higher than those of controls (P<0.05). In F30 and F60, TNF alpha, IL-6, and IL-1/1 were upregulated in the liver compared to control (P<0.05). In addition, SREBP-1c, ChREBP, FAS, ACACA, and SCD-1 were upregulated in all fructose feeding groups compared to Cont (P<0.05). The livers of rats in the F30 and F60 groups had degenerative changes and steatosis. The most detrimental effects of fructose were observed in F60. The concentration of fructose was found to be a very important factor for maintaining normal liver physiology at the molecular level.